Pleats, pearls and hearts

For the past few months I have been looking for a black handbag, big enough to fit all of the things that I need for everyday life and even my laptop, in order to substitute the ones that I already have because they have started showing signs of being warn off due to their heavy use. I wasn't looking for a specific brand or budget but I had not found anything that would be exactly as I would like it.

During my visit to Stockmann in Helsinki since I saw that many designer bags were 40% off I decided to take a look. Although you could find very nice bags by many well known brands for much more accessible prices, none would fit the profile I had in mind. I decided to abandon the crowded space and look even further around the store. I was walking around I found a rack with bags and there it was: finally the one that would fit all the criteria I was looking for! And what made it even better is that it is from the store's own brand which means that it was very affordable and with the 40% off (yes, it applied in this bag as well) it was basically the same price or even cheaper than the ones you find in fast fashion stores! So naturally I bought it.

Another fashion find that proves that sometimes fate will take you to the item you are supposed to have, even if that means you will find it half across the world!

• Denim button shirt: ASOS CURVE
• Black pleated trousers: ZARA
• Fuchsia peep toe flats: MELISSA
• Black tote bag: STOCKMANN
• Pearl earrings: present from Vietnam

Pleats and patches

I don't know why but as far as I can remember I have always considered pleats to be elegant so now that they have been on trend I just can't resist so when I saw this skirt with sparkle half price I had to take it home with me.  In order to create a casual look I decided to combine it with my denim jacket. You have seen the jacket here on the blog many times but it has been renewed. In my latest trip to Mexico City, I came across this cool unicorn, POW and ice cream patches and I thought they would make a great addition to my jacket. What do you think? 

• Black tank top: H&M
• Denim jacket: ASOS CURVE
• Black, silver and light blue pleated skirt/black pointy flats with studs: ZARA
• Multicoloured striped handbag: KATE SPADE NEW YORK
• Silver eyelashes earrings: THE CRAV CONCEPT

Sequins and tassels

Sequins are the sort of embellishment that people usually use after the sun goes down and on formal occasions. However as unconventional as I am, the moment I saw this fabric I knew I wanted to have something made out of it and of course it wouldn't be a long skirt. So I thought a bomber jacket would be very cool as it is on trend, in its nature it is a quite casual piece but with the sequins it be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion and the mood. So say hello to my morning sequins and goodbye to the old-fashioned rules!

• Black dress with jersey top and leather skirt: ASOS CURVE
• Gold sequin bomber jacket: TU TEXTIL
• Black "Meow" flat shoes/black handbag with gold polka dots print: LOLY IN THE SKY
• Black long tassel earrings: THE CRAV CONCEPT
• Black sunglasses: CARRERA

Woven and hoops

Although I buy regularly new pieces for my closet and especially during this sale season I have gone a little wild (so many things coming up soon here on the blog for you to see...), I get attached to my belongings and I don't easily let them go. This denim jacket I have had for some time now, it is still in great condition and of course being a classic piece I haven't stopped using it. However I decided to give it a small update with some patches. They are very easy to apply (all you need is an iron!) and since they are on trend you can find them in many different stores. So if you have a jacket, shirt or even a pair of trousers that you are looking to revamp, patches are the way to go!

• Coral shirt dress/denim jacket: ASOS CURVE
• Black and beige woven pointy bluchers/black, white and tan colourblock handbag: ZARA
• Patches on the denim jacket: STRADIVARIUS
• Gold hoop earrings: LOLA LOLA
• Sunglasses: no brand

Pink and yellow

I live in a city where the weather is very unpredictable and we are going through a very summery winter but occasionally the temperature drops. So if you are wondering why my posts are sometimes featuring coats and some other times short-sleeved dresses it is because of these sudden changes. I have a last Christmas present pending to share with you and the weather has finally allowed me to use it so here it goes. This yellow cape isn't probably something I would have bought myself. However, I love its warm colour and the fact that it can cover you up from the cold but it is not too warm as a coat. I look forward to using it in order to give pops of colour to my looks.

• Denim shirt: ASOS CURVE
• Skinny jeans: H&M
• Pink quilted bag: DKNY
• Pink sparkly pointy flats: BIMBA Y LOLA
• Yellow cape: MAP
• Gold eye ring: THE CRAV CONCEPT

Catrina and crochet

It's been a month since I was in Oaxaca and although it was a short trip, it was a must to pay a quick visit to the artisan market and buy some nice presents for family, friends and myself ;) 

Among the great things that one may find there, I came across these great handmade earrings of a couple of calacas, that were very cheap. I am a fool for quirky jewellery so it was only natural to buy them immediately. Aren't they adorable?

• White fluffy sweater: LEFTIES
• Grey imitation leather full skirt: PRIMARK
• Black tights with texture: H&M
• Black leather biker boots: ZARA
• Black coat with imitation leather sleeves: ASOS CURVE
• Pink mini Natasha Q bag: MARC BY MARC JACOBS
• Pink crochet cap: BONNE, handmade by me
• Handmade catrina earrings: no brand, bought in the artisan market in Oaxaca

Fuchsia and polka dots

I  have been in Monterrey for 4 years now and I am lucky to be part of a work team that has embraced me and we have created a special bond. Since I started working here I have collaborated closely with Alberto and this has led to as becoming friends. So my thoughtful friend gave me as a Christmas present a handbag (shocker, right?)! It is a great fit since it is big enough to fit all of the things I carry with me every day at work and it is pink! So what more could I ask for? Oh and it matches my hair ;) 

• Blue polka dots dress with pink embroidery: MARIA GRAPAIN ETNO DISEÑO
• Long textured jacket: ASOS CURVE
• Fuchsia patent leather tote bag: WESTIES
• Navy blue moccasins: SCHUH

Olive and leopard

It seems like we are about to have a cold weekend (it is January so it does make a lot of sense after all) so it is time to bring out the sweaters and scarfs/pashminas to shield the cold out. Another present I received for Christmas is this beautiful pashmina that is mainly made of acrylic so it is very cozy and warm! So layer up and get ready to face the low temperatures!

• Black sweater with gold letters/olive pashmina: H&M
• Boyfriend jeans: ASOS CURVE
• Pointy leopard print lace-up shoes: ZARA
• Multicoloured cross-body bag: BIMBA Y LOLA

Curvy ballerina

I am not sure if it is because my parents never sent me to ballet (and trust me, I did loads of out-of-school activities, just ask my sister) or because I feel that it is a nice expression of femininity that I am just fascinated by tulle skirts. Last week I took an express work trip to NYC and I made a late evening visit to Forever 21 in Times Square so of course as soon as I saw this skirt I just could not resist. Pairing it with a pair of non-conventional ballerina shoes can save it from being too literal and at the same time look interesting and cool. It appears to leave a trail of sparkle on its way for the moment but that's all right, I guess I will fulfil my fairy destiny :) 

• Black tank top: H&M
• Denim jacket: ASOS CURVE
• Black tulle skirt with gold sparkles: FOREVER21 PLUS
• Black handbag: DKNY
• Burgundy leather ballerinas with straps and studs: ZARA
• Black choker: A.T. CHOKERS

Stripes and straps

If you are following me on Instagram you probably saw the video I posted a week ago when a package from Zara arrived (it was a small Halloween treat for myself) and what a surprise, a pair of new shoes popped up! I know I have a serious shoe addiction but I just couldn't help myself, they were so pretty! So I was all excited about wearing them as soon as they got here but the weather has been quite rainy in the past days so their outing would have to wait. But the child in me just couldn't take it anymore so I decided to be brave and try to be as careful as possible to avoid stepping on puddles. 

When they arrived I discovered that they are made of leather. Actually it should not come as a surprise as on the Zara website it clearly says so, however one that buys on impulse and based on design does not pay attention to this sort of details ;) So the greatest thing about them is that because of the material they are very soft and comfortable!

So I have a feeling they are about to keep me cool, stylish and cozy for quite some time in the near future :)

• Black dress with leather skirt and jersey top: ASOS CURVE
• Black and white striped cardigan: PRIMARK
• White scarf with Keith Haring design: BONNE
• Burgundy ballerinas with straps and studs/tan, white and black colourblock handbag: ZARA

Coral and pearls

Although I am a big fan of eye-catching, show stopping earrings as you may have guessed from the ones I usually wear and post, I do love pearls that are the definition of elegance and classic. Including the bow was just a little extra to urge me make the purchase. And it looks like I made a right choice: look how they can upgrade a casual outfit and make it cuter and girlier!!

• Coral shirt dress: ASOS CURVE
• Navy blue bucket bag: TARGET
• Navy blue and white print canvas shoes: H&M
• Gold bow with pearl earrings: DANIEL ESPINOSA

Shades of blue

A cool jacket is the answer to these fresh days of autumn. Maybe it is not too cold yet but I have to grab any opportunity given to wear my thicker clothes because you never know when the heat is going to come back  ;)

• Light blue top: ZARA with gold print handmade by me
• Jacquard denim pencil skirt: PRIMARK
• Long textured jacket: ASOS CURVE
• Canvas shoes with floral print: TAYLOR SWIFT FOR KEDS
• Large pink quilted bag: DKNY
• Light blue sunglasses: MINKPINK

Beatles and tulle

The tulle skirt and the high knot bun may scream ballet but the print t-shirt, the ankle boots and the dark lips are rock and roll. I love mixing elements from different styles and creating an outfit that doesn't belong to any specific category. This is what personal style is all about after all, isn't it? 

• Black t-shirt with Beatles print/pink bucket bag: PRIMARK
• Beige tulle skirt: H&M
• Denim jacket: ASOS CURVE
• Black heeled ankle boots: ASOS
• Silver charm bracelet: PANDORA